Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have disrupted a drug trafficking operation linked to the Sinaloa Cartel that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin throughout western Washington. The traffickers reportedly transported narcotics from Mexico through California, sometimes using semi-trucks to move the drugs up the West Coast. Distribution activities extended from Whidbey Island and Arlington in the north to Tacoma and Lacey in the south.
Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller stated, “This indictment names not only the redistributors in the Western District of Washington, but also the brothers in Mexico who profited by spreading their poisons and addiction in the Pacific Northwest. We will work with DOJ’s Office of International Affairs to hold all the conspirators accountable here in the U.S. and abroad.”
The investigation identified Rosario Abel “Joaquin” Camargo Banuelos, 31, and his brother Francisco “Fernando” Camargo Banuelos, 24—both based in Sinaloa, Mexico—as leaders of the organization. Law enforcement used undercover agents during 2023 and 2024 to infiltrate the group and seize large quantities of narcotics. In October 2023 alone, authorities confiscated 95 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 41 kilograms of fentanyl powder. A truck driver involved in transporting these shipments was arrested on state charges earlier this year and now faces federal charges as part of a broader indictment.
“This Sinaloa Cartel-affiliated drug trafficking group brought misery and death to our community. The work of DEA and our partners seized hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl from this group that could have yielded a staggering 6.9 million lethal doses. This fentanyl could have killed everyone living in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. The entire Puget Sound region is safer without the Camargo Banuelos brothers poisoning our communities.”
Additional individuals named as members or associates include couriers, distributors, stash house attendants, redistributors from both Mexico and Washington State communities such as Everett and Shoreline.
Five defendants face firearms-related charges for allegedly carrying weapons during drug trafficking crimes or possessing them illegally due to criminal history or immigration status.
Four more suspects were arrested during early August search warrant operations across multiple locations; one had significant quantities of controlled substances at his residence while another was found with over two kilograms of fentanyl pills during an August 4 search.
In total, law enforcement seized seven pistols, three rifles, nine kilograms of methamphetamine, over five kilograms of fentanyl, nearly four kilograms of cocaine, more than a kilogram of heroin, as well as more than $342,000 believed to be proceeds from drug sales during coordinated arrests on August 4.
Previous seizures connected to this case included approximately 465 pounds of methamphetamine (about 211 kg), approximately 269 pounds (122 kg) of fentanyl—enough for millions of potentially lethal doses—alongside significant amounts of cocaine and heroin plus cash assets totaling over $309,000 USD.
Thirteen people are currently in custody while six remain at large.
According to prosecutors, some defendants face mandatory minimum sentences due to large quantities involved; however all are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The investigation was led by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents alongside Seattle Police Department officers with support from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
“This investigation exemplifies the success achievable through effective interagency collaboration and coordination,” said HSI Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin Jackson. “HSI remains firmly committed to combating the dangerous networks responsible for importing deadly narcotics into the United States. These indictments highlight our dedication to holding these individuals accountable.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Crystal Correa are prosecuting this case.
The operation is part of Operation Take Back America—a Justice Department initiative aimed at dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime by pooling resources across various federal programs including OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
